Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 October 2020
86. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the unfolding humanitarian crisis in northern Sudan which is a consequence of recent flooding; if the State has plans to render humanitarian relief via Irish Aid to the effected flood victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32181/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that recent floods have seriously affected large parts of Sudan. On 4 September, the Transitional Government of Sudan declared a three-month State of Emergency and appealed for international assistance with regards to water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter and health care. UN Agencies have reported 155 fatalities. More than 875,000 people have been affected, including 150,000 refugees.
Ireland has provided development and humanitarian assistance to the Sudanese people for many years. Since 2012, Irish humanitarian funding to Sudan has exceeded €33 million. So far this year, Ireland has contributed €3.7 million to humanitarian relief efforts in Sudan, including €3 million to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund and €700,000 to Irish NGOs working in the country, including Trócaire, Concern, GOAL and World Vision.
Ireland's contribution to the Sudan Humanitarian Fund is the fifth largest from 13 donors who collectively have sent €52 million in humanitarian assistance to Sudan this year. To date, €34 million has been allocated to life-saving humanitarian projects, including the recent floods. A further €5.6 million for flood response projects has just been agreed.
Other humanitarian needs have arisen due to a polio outbreak now affecting four Sudanese States and three neighbouring countries. Plans are in place to allocate funding to cover the urgent polio vaccination campaign in Sudan, also using the Sudan Humanitarian Fund.
Ireland also contributes €10 million each year to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund - a pool of standby funding available for rapid response by UN Agencies to support humanitarian action. This year over €10 million has been provided from this fund to support humanitarian needs in Sudan.
Additionally, Ireland contributes to the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations which committed over €60 million to Sudan in 2020 and recently increased its contribution, specifically to address floods, by €1.1 Million.
My officials are looking actively, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi (which is accredited to Sudan), at additional supports.
